Events

Registration required (adults)
If you live near trees you have no doubt heard the distinct drumming of a woodpecker. But did you know that woodpeckers play an important role in Missouri’s forest communities? Join us as we peck into the wacky world of Missouri’s woodpeckers. Plus, we will demonstrate how you can make suet to attract woodpeckers to your backyard.

Learn to clean, store and prepare your winter trout.

Participants will have a hands on opportunity to clean some trout, then we'll prepare the trout that we cleaned for everyone to sample using some favorite and delicious methods.

Dress appropriately for the weather because part of this program will be outside.

Registration required (all ages)
Magical moments in nature are waiting for you! Go on an adventure with a Naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail close to the nature center.
Notes: Dress for the weather. Program will be all outdoors, weather permitting. If it is very cold and/or there is more than light rain/sleet/snow program will be cancelled.

Children and their parents can attend this clinic together and learn everything they need to know about catching our areas winter time urban trout. Kids will also have an opportunity to try their luck at catching a few of these scrappy cold water fighters.

THIS WILL BE A TWO PART CLINIC.... Participants must attend the lesson inorder to participate in the fishing opportunity.

We'll meet at the Burr Oaks Woods Nature Center on Thursday evening, December 10th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm for a trout fishing lesson. Participants will learn all about the urban trout and how to catch them.

Then we'll meet again, bright and early Saturday morning, December 12th, 8:30am - 11:00am at Honker Pond (James A Reeds Memorial Wildlife Area 12405 SE Ranson Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64082) where we'll try our hands at catching some hungry trout.

Dress for the weather but if you get cold while you are fishing you can take a break to warm up by the fire and enjoy some hot chocolate.

Only children 16 years of age and younger can fish at Honker Pond but parents and family members are welcome to attend with their angler.

Missouri Department of Conservation will provide all of the equipment, bait, fishing coaches, hot chocolate and a warm fire.

Children do not need a trout permit to fish at this event as long as they plan to release their fish, if they would like to keep the trout that they catch they will need a trout permit. Permits will not be available at this event but they can be purchased online here https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/permits
or at any permit vendor.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If bad weather is forcast the day of this event it may be postponed. You will be contacted if any changes are necessary

Shooting a modern muzzleloader is safe, fun and can help extend your hunting season. In this class, our certified instructors will teach you everything you need to know to get started using them today. Course topics will include the various equipment options, muzzleloader safety, shooting fundamentals and more.

Registration required (all ages)
Thinking of making the holidays a little greener this season? Then join us for one of the Discovery Center's favorite holiday traditions. Discover how to decorate using native plants and trees. Fashion a festive holiday swag or wreath to hang using red cedar, prairie grasses, wild nuts, berries, seed pods, game bird feathers and your imagination.

Registration required (all ages)
Thinking of making the holidays a little greener this season? Then join us for one of the Discovery Center's favorite holiday traditions. Discover how to decorate using native plants and trees. Fashion a festive holiday swag or wreath to hang using red cedar, prairie grasses, wild nuts, berries, seed pods, game bird feathers and your imagination.

Registration required for each attending (all ages)
Energy flows through nature in amazing and dynamic ways. Explore food webs through games to help understand how nature is all connected.

Registration required for youngster only (ages 3-5 with an adult)
There are critters in those woods! Out in that field, there is wildlife! Don’t believe me? We may not always see animals out in the wild but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Critters may think they’re sneaky but. . . they always leave a trail!

Registration required (all ages)
Magical moments in nature are waiting for you! Go on an adventure with a Naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail close to the nature center.
Notes: Dress for the weather. Program will be all outdoors, weather permitting. If it is very cold and/or there is more than light rain/sleet/snow program will be cancelled.

This class covers the basic equipment, materials, and techniques needed to reload ammunition and customize the loads to your firearms. We will demonstrate the process and then give you some hands-on experience reloading ammunition. All equipment and materials are provided.